Snapshot: Compact tropical sports bar, formerly Cucaracha's, joins the nightlife strip near Embassy Theater. A Tiki-style rectangular bar still dominates the room, which the owner is sprucing up with fresh décor — though it's still a work in progress. The most notable addition would be Bongo, a party-hearty gorilla who shows up most nights.

Behind the bar: A small draft beer selection includes Kona Brewing Co.'s Koko Brown, which kind of nails the tropical gorilla vibe. Signature cocktails include the Bongo-rita, a jumbo frozen margarita with a bottle of beer upended in it.

Who goes there: Hirsute guys and the women who love them. OK, that's an overstatement, but a bartender reports that Bongo has been known to drink and dance with female patrons.

Fun and games: There's a pool table and a few dartboards. A projection TV illuminates one back wall. Karaoke on Thursday nights.

Munchies: Yes, they have no bananas, or anything else to eat. But you can get a slice of cheese or pepperoni pizza for a couple of bucks and change at Passione a short walk away.

Soundtrack: Country and Tejano on Tuesdays, salsa on Wednesdays. A DJ plays dance music on weekends — on a recent Saturday it was a booming club mix with a Latin accent: Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull, Elvis Crespo.